Tauntonians will learn with deep regret of the death of Private W Haines, of the No. 5 Supernumerary Company, 4th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, which took place at the Portishead Red Cross Hospital, at the age of 64. The funeral took place at the Portishead Cemetery on Friday of last week, the deceased being buried with full military honours… The late Private Haines… came up with the last Company of the National Reserves, about 14 months ago… and during that time did his duty to the satisfaction of the office commanding and all other officers concerned. Corporal Jarman, who is a well-known Tauntonian of the same Company writes: “Private Haines was a fine old soldier, doing his duty in a manner with would be a credit to any youngster, and his death came as a surprise to all of us. There are still with us half-a-dozen of the old ‘sixties’, and I hope when some of these conscientious objectors see this they will alter their mind, and do their little bit for their King and country like he did.”

Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser: Wednesday 29th March 1916

William Haines was born in the spring of 1850 in Hinton St George, Somerset. The younger of two children, his parents were William and Sophia Haines. William Sr died when his son was a teenager, leaving Sophia to raise the family. She found work as a nurse to bring in some income and, by the time of the 1871 census, the family were living together, William Jr working as a stonemason and his older sister earned money through glovemaking.

On 23rd December 1871, William married Jane Shuter, a sawyer’s daughter from Stoke-sub-Hamdon. The couple set up home in South Petherton, and had a son called William Jr the following year. The family remained together through the next three census returns, William Sr continuing as a mason, while his son found work as a plumber. By 1911 they family had moved again, this time to Taunton, where Jane was now working as a dealer in wardrobes.

When war broke out, William Sr stepped up to play his part, as the report suggests. He enlisted at the start of 1915, volunteering his services, despite having reached 64 years of age. Assigned to the 4th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, and attached to the 5th Supernumerary Company – a territorial reserve force – Private Haines he remained in Somerset.

William suffered a heart attack on 12th March 1916. He was rushed to the Red Cross Hospital in Portishead, but passed away soon after being admitted. He was 66 years of age (the newspaper report giving the incorrect age).

William Haines did not travel far to be laid to rest. He was buried in Portishead Cemetery, on the southern outskirts of the town.

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